Stricter Enforcement on Cargo Descriptions, Shipper and Consignee Details
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) is rolling out new Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system changes that will automatically reject shipments if the cargo description, shipper name or consignee name is incomplete or insufficient. If documentation does not meet CBP’s minimum requirements, a filing may be rejected automatically. A rejection means the cargo may not be processed on time, leading to delays and possible extra costs. To avoid disruptions, importers must ensure the information they provide to their broker is accurate, detailed and complete.
What importers need to provide to help brokers file correctly on their behalf:
- Complete and specific cargo descriptions: Generic terms like “parts,” “samples” or “freight all kinds” are not acceptable. Use clear, detailed descriptions of the goods.
- Accurate shipper details: The full legal name and address of the actual shipper is required.
- Accurate consignee details: The full legal name and address of the actual consignee is required.
ISFs Refresher
As part of CBP’s security and compliance framework, all ocean importers are required to file an Importer Security Filing (ISF). Commonly called the “10+2” filing, this requirement helps CBP identify high-risk shipments before they arrive in the United States.
Failure to comply with ISF requirements can result in costly penalties, shipment delays and increased inspections. Below is a refresher on what ISFs are, what information you need to provide and the regulations that apply.
What Is an ISF?
The ISF is an advance electronic filing that must be submitted to CBP at least 24 hours before cargo is laden aboard the vessel destined for the United States.
The term “10+2” refers to the 10 data elements importers must provide and the 2 additional data elements carriers must provide. Together, these help CBP screen shipments for security risks.
What the Importer Needs To Provide (Importer’s 10 Data Elements)
As the importer, in addition to providing the Automated Manifest System (AMS) bill of lading number, you are responsible for submitting the following 10 data points:
- Seller name and address
- Buyer name and address
- Importer of record number—e.g., Internal Revenue Service (IRS) number, employee identification number (EIN) or CBP-assigned number
- Consignee number(s) if foreign importer of record
- Manufacturer (or supplier) name and address
- Ship-to party name and address
- Country of origin of goods
- HTSUS number (minimum 6 digits); there may be consequences for providing a different HTSUS than is filed with the entry, such as Customs delays, penalties or increased risk of audit
- Container stuffing location
- Consolidator (stuffer) name and address
It is also recommended that you provide vessel name, estimated time of departure and estimated time of arrival for visibility.
The Carrier’s ‘+2’ Elements
While the importer is responsible for the 10 elements, carriers must provide:
- Vessel stow plan
- Container status messages
Filing Deadlines and Responsibility
- ISFs must be filed no later than 24 hours prior to vessel loading at the foreign port.
- Late, inaccurate or incomplete filings can result in CBP penalties of up to $5,000 per violation.
- The importer of record is ultimately responsible, even if a customs broker files on their behalf.
Best Practices for Importers
- Work closely with your suppliers and forwarders to obtain data as early as possible.
- Provide your customs broker with complete and accurate information as soon as bookings are confirmed.
- Avoid last-minute changes. Inaccurate or missing ISF filings are a top reason for CBP holds and examinations.
- Record retention; keep records for at least five years, as required by CBP.
- If you determine or learn of an error after an ISF has been filed, advise your customs broker of the error so the filing can be updated.
The ISF is not just a paperwork exercise; it is a critical compliance requirement. Timely and accurate filings help prevent costly penalties, delays and disruptions to your supply chain.
If you have questions about ISFs or need help coordinating with suppliers, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Krieger Worldwide’s team.
Reciprocal Tariff Rates
Below are the IEEPA Reciprocal Tariff rates set forth in Annex I of the executive order, “Further Modifying the Reciprocal Tariff Rates,” published on July 31, 2025. Any country or territory not listed here will be subject to a default 10% tariff:
Annex I
| Countries and Territories | Reciprocal Tariff, Adjusted |
| Afghanistan | 15% |
| Algeria | 30% |
| Angola | 15% |
| Bangladesh | 20% |
| Bolivia | 15% |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | 30% |
| Botswana | 15% |
| Brazil | 10% |
| Brunei | 25% |
| Cambodia | 19% |
| Cameroon | 15% |
| Chad | 15% |
| Costa Rica | 15% |
| Côte d`Ivoire | 15% |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | 15% |
| Ecuador | 15% |
| Equatorial Guinea | 15% |
| European Union: Goods with Column 1 Duty Rate greater than 15% | 0% |
| European Union: Goods with Column 1 Duty Rate less than 15% | 15% minus Column 1 Duty Rate |
| Falkland Islands | 10% |
| Fiji | 15% |
| Ghana | 15% |
| Guyana | 15% |
| Iceland | 15% |
| India | 25% |
| Indonesia | 19% |
| Iraq | 35% |
| Israel | 15% |
| Japan: Goods with Column 1 Duty Rate greater than 15% | 0% |
| Japan: Goods with Column 1 Duty Rate less than 15% | 15% minus Column 1 Duty Rate |
| Jordan | 15% |
| Kazakhstan | 25% |
| Laos | 40% |
| Lesotho | 15% |
| Libya | 30% |
| Liechtenstein | 15% |
| Madagascar | 15% |
| Malawi | 15% |
| Malaysia | 19% |
| Mauritius | 15% |
| Moldova | 25% |
| Mozambique | 15% |
| Myanmar (Burma) | 40% |
| Namibia | 15% |
| Nauru | 15% |
| New Zealand | 15% |
| Nicaragua | 18% |
| Nigeria | 15% |
| North Macedonia | 15% |
| Norway | 15% |
| Pakistan | 19% |
| Papua New Guinea | 15% |
| Philippines | 19% |
| Serbia | 35% |
| South Africa | 30% |
| South Korea | 15% |
| Sri Lanka | 20% |
| Switzerland | 39% |
| Syria | 41% |
| Taiwan | 20% |
| Thailand | 19% |
| Trinidad and Tobago | 15% |
| Tunisia | 25% |
| Turkey | 15% |
| Uganda | 15% |
| United Kingdom | 10% |
| Vanuatu | 15% |
| Venezuela | 15% |
| Vietnam | 20% |
| Zambia | 15% |
| Zimbabwe | 15% |
Krieger Worldwide Announces International Trade Council Award Recognition
Krieger Worldwide is honored to once again be nominated for an industry award as we celebrate its 60th anniversary this year! With decades of experience in freight forwarding and logistics, Krieger’s team continues to deliver reliable, efficient and innovative solutions that empower companies to thrive in global markets.
